I had a lot of new things this past week and, I have to say, they were all good! In fact, the only thing that soured my mood this week was the rain. And there was plenty of it! Oh and I was chased by a German Shepherd on a run but, whatever.
WEEK OF OCTOBER 20, 2014
RUNNING: I’m back to running a decent amount, and even logged a 9 miler on Saturday. On one of my shorter runs, though a neighborhood near my gym, I suddenly heard yelling. Moments before the yelling started, I had seen a German Shepherd behind a very tall fence. Upon hearing the desperate cries, I immediately stopped running and turned around to see the friggin’ dog running toward me. It’s old and painfully slow owner, continued to pointlessly yell after it to “stop” and “come here.” Luckily, it just kind of circled me, like a shark, until it’s owner caught up to where we were, which was an eternity later.
At that point, I was thinking she would just grab the dog by the collar and drag it to the car (which is where she was trying to put him when he made a beeline for me) but no, she just kept yelling at it to go toward the car. I was beyond annoyed. This woman had zero control over her dog. It could have eaten me for breakfast and there was nothing she would have been able to do about it.
After a few minutes of this ridiculousness, she turned to me and said “I think your hat is the problem.” Unfortunately she was dead serious. I wanted to say “Actually you moron, it’s your lack of control over your dog that’s the problem, but yes, let me take off my hat and see if that does the trick.” It did. Who knew my life would be spared by simply removing my hat? So that was new…
CYCLING: I have a renewed zest in my spinning these days. I’ve been swimming for 20-30 minutes before every Tues/Thurs class, faithfully for at least two months now. I’m starting to feel stronger in both disciplines and I’m loving it. As an added bonus, my Thursday class is now going to be 45 minutes (it was an hour), followed by 20 minutes of high intensity interval training (HIIT). I cannot wait for this new forum!
CROSS-TRAINING: Decorating for my kids Halloween party and parade at school. I’ve entered a new realm of exhaustion which is decorating, sorting, taping and stuffing followed by chasing, yelling, laughing hysterically and crashing into bed right after the kids. Yes people, I just survived my first volunteering gig via the PTO at my kid’s school. I’m an endurance athlete but this is a whole new kind of race!
I was in charge of “pumpkin bowling.” I can now die happy.
FUEL: Did you miss my post about Manitoba Hemp Seeds? There’s a discount waiting for you as well. In other fueling news, I made these Pumpkin Spice No Bake Bars for the first time and they were a complete success! The hardest part was finding dates. Just so you know, that’s one thing the don’t have at Target.
THINGS I LOVE: My new gynecologist. Yep, that’s right, after the debacle with my last doctor visit, I found a new one and he is fantastic. And, everything I need to do because of my ‘family history’ like blood work, ultrasounds and mammograms, can all be done in the same building! Amazeballs. I also warned him of my blogging and what happened to his predecessor. #BeAfriad
THINGS I DON’T LOVE AS MUCH: Missing the boys first ever race. You may find this hard to believe but my boys have never actually run in an ‘official’ race. I was waiting until they actually wanted to do one, and would be excited about it. I signed them up for the Spooktacular 1K at the Y this weekend but, the night before, one of them woke-up in the middle of the night with a cold. He was fine by 11am. Too bad the race was at 8:45. Bummer.
MUSIC: It was a Halloween music kind of weekend. As the big day gets closer, the boys are watching Halloween themed shows on TV, wearing their costumes as much as possible and playing ‘monster mash’ ad nauseam. Is it Thanksgiving yet?
The boys as Skylanders, flanking a friend, at their school Halloween party.
READING: Hopefully you’ll be reading more of ME! I know, just what you need in your life, right? Well I’m happy to announce that I’m the newest writer at RunHaven.com and I couldn’t be happier. They love all things running plus, sassiness and snark abound. I’ve found my writing happy place and I hope you join me there. I’ll be sure to let you know when my first story is posted, but you can check out some great stuff from Miss Zippy and Beth Risdon from Shut Up And Run right now:
If You Do These Things at Races, Everyone Will Hate You (Sorry, Not Sorry)
5 Things Successful Runners Never Do
RANDOM QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “I actually remember you guys by your faces.” ~my new gynecologist
Good to know doc, since I usually wear pants when I’m not in stirrups.
What new thing did you try last week?
What are you reading? I need a new book soon!
As a dog owner I apologize for idiots like that. How dare you wear a hat!!! Some people. Ghost bowling? Life. Complete.
It’s always a bad owner, never the dog. It’s the same with kids…kind of 🙂
Your doctor’s line totally made me giggle. I, too, just survived the first PTA sponsored Halloween Party at Emma’s that I volunteered for on Friday. Today is the class pumpkin picking/hayride trip and Friday is the in class Halloween Party that I am running as co-class mom. So, like you definitely got it going on with school activities. And as for the dog, the owner definitely sounds like she doesn’t have control. We took Elsa for training and one of the first things we were told if she were to get out on her own was not to chase her, because a dog’s instinct when being chased is to run away. Apparently dog psychology 101, lol! But seriously, who knew about the hat! 😉
A mom’s work is never done – even when they’re in school!! I hope you have a great time today. These are the best days!!
Oh my gosh, I feel like you are reading a story of mine. I have had a few situations like that, and it makes me SO MAD!!!! This summer I was out on one of my progression runs, which was one of my most important workouts, and a german shepherd ran at me, angry……I stopped, terrified that it was going to bite me, and same thing as you, owner was yelling with no control, like you said. I did my usual “GO HOME”, and we were in a standoff….the owner said “she won’t bite”…….but I did not want to risk that! I am sure no dog owner expects their dog to bark!
Otherwise, I am glad your running is back up to where you want it to be 🙂
It’s such a scary situation! My friend was bitten by a GS a few years ago while I was running right beside her and it was horrible!!! I use the ‘Go HOME’ and ‘NO!’ but it doesn’t always work. And yes, I love when they tell you it doesn’t bite. Yes, it doesn’t bite YOU but I’m a stranger who is running!!!…with a hat!! Be careful out there my friend…
When that happens with a dog in my neighborhood, I call animal control every single time. Too many kids in the neighborhood and busy streets for either a person or the dog to get hurt. I am all tense about Halloween. it’s a whole lot of chaos over here because we have so many kids. Fun but exhausting. Those bars look great…I am going to give them a try (I know where I can find some dates…LOL)
I usually do too. Not a bad idea since this woman’s house is right near the YMCA trail where a ton of people walk and run.
I agree about halloween and I’m planning a sleepover. I’m stocking up on wine now.
The bars are SO good and yes, I’m sure Trader Joe’s has buckets of dates for a lower price then what I paid! hahaha 🙂
Those pumpkin bars look delish, you will need to send me the recipe! Your doctor story made me laugh thinking of your ordeal at the old doctor, lol. I just found a new one who I love as well, so can totally relate on what a relief this is!
The whole office and practice was like heaven. It’s a new building, everyone was welcoming and friendly and it was super quick and convenient. I mean, what else can you ask for?
If you click on the link where it says “No Bake Pumpkin Spice Bars” you’ll find the recipe 🙂 I can also send it to you…
I should have figured the link would be right there for the recipe, I will def check it out, thanks 🙂
Those ghosts look AMAZING!! Be careful with all your fabulous crafting or you will soon be permanently assigned to all class party PTA gigs!! 😉 I cannot believe that dog and that TERRIBLE owner!! That is just awful! We are all into Halloween TV watching over here, too…is it wrong that I prefer Christmas shows more?-Ashley
No, it’s not wrong at all and you are so right about the PTA assignments!! Now that I was so reliable for this event, I’m already getting multiple requests for future ones!! What have I done??
Oh, and I almost forgot, as a German Shepard owner myself, I practically make it my job to control her in any and every situation. She is a big cuddly puddle of love at home, but her protectiveness of us doesn’t always translate well in public situations. It drives me nuts when other dog owners don’t do the same!
I know you guys are super responsible and loving with all your dogs! I’m certain you would never let a situation like the one I had, happen.
Were we not just talking about dogs and running? That is crazy–so glad it had a good outcome. What the hell were you thinking wearing a hat?! ; )
So glad we’ll be seeing you up on Run Haven. I was talking with friends over the weekend who had just paced at Baltimore Marathon about the annoying behavior in the article you listed. They saw some terrible examples of it, including folks being totally oblivious to the fact that they were blocking the wheelchair racers with their meandering side by side on the RACE course. So bad.
Please tell me to get back in the pool–I am missing it but also not taking the time to do it. Running, why are you so convenient?
Yes we were!! I was actually thinking that at the time of the incident.
Funny you mention the pacing because I’m writing a whole article on it for RunHaven. I can’t wait to see what the FB followers will have to say. I had better put on my body armor!!
GET IN THE POOL! I just did a get 2600 workout this morning and feel great. The convenience of running is hard to beat but think of the watery bliss 🙂
Congrats on being a Run Haven writer! Hopefully your boys are healthy for their next race.
Thanks Kate! I may have to hold a 5K event myself…
It drives me nuts when owners have their dogs off leash and have zero control over them. There are off leash hours in Prospect Park and there have a been a number of times that dogs have made a beeline for me and once for Jasper when he was a baby!! I could’ve punched that owner. Gah. And kids activities? A completely different kind of endurance is required. I’m helping out in Everett’s class tomorrow and I feel like I need to rest and fuel up for it! So excited to see you over at RunHaven. I started writing over there a couple of weeks ago and it’s a fun place to be.
Amanda and I saw some dog clashes when we were running in CP. It’s crazy. If you have a dog in public, you need to be able to control it. Period. And, you’re right about rest and fuel! You will need both for your classroom day. They should hand out bibs at the door. Good luck!!
I saw you on RunHaven!! That is great. Thanks for the welcome. Can’t wait to have my first article posted 🙂
I have always applauded the gynecologist community. I don’t know how anyone can get up in the morning and look at vaginas all day. It takes a special person.
Agreed!!!
That dog thing just cheeses me all to hell! I can’t tell you how many times I’m in a great groove only to be interrupted by a dog bolting out of someone’s yard. I have two dogs myself but I pay attention to what’s going on outside my yard when I am out with them. You should have said something to her for sure!
Good dog owners (of which there are many!) get the most upset about this and I can see why. Having a dog means having to be responsible for that dog. Not only could it bite me, but it could have been run over!
Haha, decorating can be counted as a type of cross training? 😛
And that owner needs to put that dog on a leash!
This was serious decorating! My feet were killing me at the end of the day and I was wearing sneakers. It was crazy but so worth it and totally fun!!
Congrats on RunHaven.com! That is great! You are a literary star these days!!
I can’t believe that woman said your hat was the problem. I really hate it when dog owners don’t take care of their dogs. In the city they have to be on leashes so at least that is better but I am totally 100% grossed out about the fact that owners just let them go to the bathroom on the sidewalk. I make sure we all take off our shoes as soon as we set foot in our apartment! I don’t have anything against furry creatures but you know…owners need to take some responsibility and be considerate of others!
I cannot even imagine having a pet in the city! And that’s just disgusting about the sidewalks. Yikes!!!
Congrats on the new gig!! You are buIdling up quite a resume! So proud of you and of course I will be reading! I can’t believe that dog, and the audacity of the owner to tell you it must have been you hat. I mean seriously! You have got to be kidding me!! I am not very animal friendly so I would have given her a full earful. But that’s just me. Sorry the boys missed the party. Great job decorating!!
Thanks Nellie!! I don’t think what I would have said would matter to the owner. She was so oblivious, plus I run there a lot so I don’t want her purposely unleashing that beast on me!!
HAHA your new gyno’s quote 🙂 I like a doctor with a sense of humor. Thats great you got in 9 miles! Not so great you met a terrifying dog who had a thing for your hat… um huh?! I agree with that puppy in the photo that bad owners should be taken to the pound. This is not the first time I’ve agreed with a puppy on existential matters, nor will it be the last I’m sure.
This puppies are so darn smart! And yes, you have to love a gyno with humor, because could there really be any other way for them to get though the day??
I can’t even believe that lady and her dog – those are the kind of stories that make me wonder why some people think they should have a dog!!! Funny that taking off the hat really helped.
Congrats on your new writing gig – so awesome!!!
Elementary school parties caused me so much stress – I was always the first to sign up to bring stuff (easy stuff that didn’t require baking)!!!
I sign up for all the easy, non-creative stuff too! Thanks Kim!!
Congrats on your new writing gig! As for the dog, I’ve heard of dogs who get aggressive over hats, but I’ve never seen it happen to anyone – how strange! I’m reading an advance copy of The Rosie Effect – sequel to The Rosie Project. Have you read that? You should if you haven’t. And 31 days until Thanksgiving…
I cannot wait until Thanksgiving! Bring it!!
The hat thing was so weird and I wouldn’t have believed it, had it not happened to me.
JUST downloaded The Rosie Project and I already love it. I hope the sequel measures up!
Congrats on the writing gig! And the PTO thing. Wow. I was telling Janine I couldn’t possibly ever do anything school related.. like.. I just can’t. I’m not made of the stuff.
However, I was chased by FOUR German Shepherds once. That was tough.
I remember that awful story and I can’t imagine how scared you were! It’s terrifying with just one.
As for the PTO, I don’t think I will be signing up for any more ‘special events,’ at least I’m going to try really hard not to!
I wonder how your hat was the problem? People are kind of ridiculous. My husband was once running on the road and this dog came out in the road and bit him and ripped his expensive running jacket. The owner finally came outside to get her dog and she told him the dog was just protecting his property (I think the road is public, no?) and basically acted like it was my husband’s fault. Sometimes I wonder about people.
That happens all the time!! Owners just don’t want to take responsibility and yes, the road is public and we have every right to be running down it without the fear of being attacked by your dog. Just awful.
Pumpkin Spice NO BAKE BARS ===== ADDICTING AS ALL HECK!!!! I could see myself sitting in a dark corner of the kitchen with a plate of these pounding them in my face……… lol
That’s pretty much what my husband did. He’s been eating them as complete meals. Who can blame him?
The pumpkin bars look delish and your gynae’s quote made me snort laugh!
I almost died when he said it but, he was referring to the fact that he DID have my chart (which he previously said he didn’t), so he was trying to explain that he usually recognizes his patients by face and not a name on the chart. The timing (and placement of his head) was everything.